How were Samoan houses designed to protect people from sun, rain, and night air?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

moai statue, Easter Island — Polynesian culture *Moai* statue, Easter Island.

Traditional Samoan houses, known as fale, are designed with an open-air, oval floor plan featuring a beehive-shaped thatched roof supported by sturdy wooden pillars.12

Because these structures lack permanent, solid walls, they rely on a flexible system for climate control. To protect inhabitants from the sun, rain, or night air, residents hang rolled palm-leaf mats along the eaves of the house. These mats can be easily unrolled as needed to enclose the space, providing a practical and adjustable barrier against the elements.12